Colorectal cancer screening in Australia

Colorectal cancer screening

1. Colorectal cancer screening is currently recommended for asymptomatic and average risk individuals at the age of 50 or above every 2 yearly until the age of 74 with repeated negative findings. 
2. NBCSP is still at the rolling out stage, it will be completed by 2020.
3. Colorectal cancer has a good 5 year survival rate if it is detected early (stage A 90% and stage B 70%)
4. NBCSP uses immunochemical testing and it does not require any dietary or medication restriction. 
5. NBCSP FOBT does not pick up upper GI bleed. 
6. The screening strategy for asymptomatic individuals depend on their risk level. 
7. 
8. A positive FOBT does not mean that the person has cancer. The risk of colorectal cancer from a positive FOBT test is around 5%.
9. Try to use every opportunity you have to promote cancer screening. 
10. History and examination is still important in cancer screening program.